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All eyes had been on Artem Vakhitov forward of his Contenders Collection fundamental occasion slot versus Islem Masraf, which wrapped up earlier on Tuesday (Oct. 8, 2024) from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Why was everybody so keen on a 2-1 Gentle Heavyweight?
Being a Glory champion actually separates him from the pack at bit, however the true reply is that he’s the final man to defeat Alex Pereira in kickboxing! After the entire Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira saga within the Octagon, we all know simply how substantial a rivalry from the ring to the cage might be. These two fought twice in 2021, and their connection was sufficient that Pereira — who simply fought 4 bloody rounds in Utah three days in the past — flew in to attend his kickboxing rival’s battle.
Vakhitov hit a little bit of bother early in opposition to Masraf, discovering himself managed in shut quarters. Masraf didn’t truly handle to take down the striker, however Vakhitov was getting pinned to the fence for a good portion of the primary. Thankfully, he made it rely when he did create separation. Masraf was a contact winded from the grappling, leaving him very susceptible to a sequence of proper fingers.
Take a look at the knockout clip under:
With the knockout, Vakhitov improves to 3-1 as knowledgeable. Regardless of the win and historical past with “Poatan,” it was nonetheless up within the air whether or not Vakhitov would rating the contract, as a result of he has little or no cage time general and confirmed some wrestling inexperience within the bout. UFC CEO Dana White turned to Pereira for recommendation, and the Brazilian acknowledged his former foe as expert and skilled sufficient for UFC competitors.
It is going to be very thrilling to see Vakhitov’s profession develop. He’s nonetheless a great distance from incomes an MMA rubber match versus the champion, however Adesanya and “Poatan” each demonstrated that elite kickboxers are able to quick rises up the ladder. If nothing else, any injection of expertise at 205-pounds is sorely wanted!
Insomnia
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Khalil Rountree motivating his group!
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Slips, rips, and KO clips
Being a kickboxing legend from a number of many years in the past, sadly, will not be recipe for fulfillment in 2024.
The ten finger guillotine all the time creates such disagreeable strain on the neck and backbone. Blue ought to’ve tried kicking off the fence, it bizarrely works generally.
Stand-and-bang till anyone falls down!
Random Land
Browsing the inexperienced!
Midnight Music: Chappell Roan has taken over the pop world within the final 12 months or so, and I lastly received round to listening to her work. I like an earworm refrain!
Sleep properly Maniacs! Extra martial arts insanity is all the time on the best way.
